Tony East here, the host of the daily Locked On Pacers podcast, with your daily Locked On Pacers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pacers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Challenges and solutions for the Indiana Pacers
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Pacers Defensive Struggles: A Deep Dive into Recent Challenges
Pacers Defensive Woes
The Indiana Pacers are currently grappling with significant defensive challenges, a situation that has become increasingly apparent in recent games. Their recent performances against teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons have highlighted glaring issues in their defensive strategy. Allowing 108 points in the last three quarters against Memphis and 136 in total is a testament to their struggles. Similarly, the game against Detroit showcased a lack of defensive cohesion, with opponents finding wide-open shots and exploiting the Pacers defensive lapses.
The Pacers defensive rating over the last eight games stands at a concerning 118.2, placing them 27th in the league. This is a decline from their season average of 116.9, which already ranked them 25th. The absence of key perimeter defenders like Ben Sheppard, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith has exacerbated these issues. Their absence has left the team vulnerable, forcing players like Quenton Jackson to step into roles that demand more than they can consistently deliver.
Communication and Fatigue
Communication breakdowns and fatigue are also contributing to the Pacers defensive struggles. Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell have both pointed out the team’s lack of communication and effort on the court. The grueling schedule, with games every other night, seems to be taking a toll on the players, leading to a lack of intensity and focus during games.
The absence of key defenders has forced the Pacers to rely on less experienced players like Benn Mathurin and Jarace Walker, who are still finding their footing on defense. This has resulted in inconsistent defensive performances, with the team struggling to implement a cohesive defensive scheme. The lack of communication and effort has been evident in their inability to fight through screens and maintain defensive pressure.
Tactical Adjustments Needed
From a tactical standpoint, the Pacers decision to frequently chase opponents over screens has been questionable. This approach has often left them vulnerable to easy scoring opportunities, as seen in games where opponents like Elfrid Payton have capitalized on the space given to them. The Pacers need to reconsider their defensive strategy, especially against teams with strong ball handlers.
The team’s current defensive struggles are compounded by the absence of key players, but tactical adjustments could help mitigate some of these issues. The Pacers need to find a balance between their aggressive defensive approach and the limitations of their current roster.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers defensive challenges, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
- The impact of injuries on the Pacers rotation and performance
- Potential rotational changes to improve team dynamics
- Analysis of the Pacers offensive struggles and areas for improvement
- Discussion on the Pacers upcoming games and their significance
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 7:30 PM | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, ON) | Get Tickets
Pacers @ Bulls
Friday, Dec. 06 | 7:00 PM | United Center (Chicago, IL) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Deep dive into the Indiana Pacers woes The Indiana Pacers are struggling on defense, banged up, and facing questions about their rotations. What is going on, and what can they do about it? Alex Golden from Setting The Pacers stops by to break it down.
What is going on for the Pacers on defense? The Indiana Pacers defense has been dreadful two games in a row. What is going on? What shots were they trying to take away against the Memphis Grizzlies? Their recent play suggests that there are big problems to solve.
What the early-season numbers tell us about the Indiana Pacers The Pacers are nearly 1/4th of the way through their season. What do some numbers say about the team and its strengths? A deep dive into the numbers reveals just how good Pascal Siakam has been and how much the bench has taken a step back.
